How do I safely paint high ceilings

I live in an old house with high ceilings. I want to paint the bathroom ceiling but cannot reach over the bath on ordinary stepladders. I am worried about putting the feet in the bath even with padding in case I crack it. I do not want to use a roller as the paint will go on my tiles.

"The easiest way would be to use a leaning ladder which is long enough to stretch across the bath when used at the required angle of 75 degrees," says our DIY guru, Bridget Bodoano. "Simon Taffe of Simon and Dylan Decorating (020-8264 9021, simonanddylandecorators.co.uk) recommends a three-way combination ladder which can be used as a stepladder, extension ladder and stairway ladder. Argos has one for £38.99 (0845 640 2020, argos.co.uk), but check the stepladder format is high enough for you to reach the ceiling comfortably. You can find advice on the government website hse.gov.uk/falls/leaningladders.htm. It would be a good idea to have someone with you to keep the ladder steady and pass brushes and paints to you, leaving your hands free to hold on."

Keys to a clean piano

I have a lovely Steinway grand piano (bought new in 1996). How do I clean the keys without damaging the instrument?

Our cleaning expert, Stephanie Zia, says: "Modern Steinway piano keys are made of a synthetic ivory substitute called Ivorene. Wipe with a clean piece of cheesecloth, lightly dampened, being careful that no moisture seeps between the keys - dampness in the keybed can cause swelling. If a more thorough clean is required, piano retailer and restorer Kensington Pianos (020-7603 1905, kensingtonpianos.com) suggests an eco window cleaner which contains vinegar, such as Earth Friendly Window Cleaner with Vinegar (£3.38, 0845 367 7001, naturalcollection.com). Dampen a clean piece of cheesecloth and wipe on to the keys. Alternatively, Cory Key Brite (£6.99, from pianoaccessoryshop.co.uk, 01200 424040) cleans and preserves plastic and ivory keys."

You respond

Re Can Our Dining Table Take The Heat? (21 February), wax will give no protection against heat or moisture, and ruining a nice oak table by putting polyurethane on it is anathema! Sand the top down to 320 grit and finish with oil. Six or seven coats of Danish oil will give a lovely low lustre finish and protect from moisture and moderate heat.Phil Bailey, cabinetmaker Bath

Re A Blot On My Beautiful Rayburn (14 February), a paint scraper - the kind with a replaceable sharp blade that removes splashed paint from windowpanes - works wonders, and you can use it when the cooker is hot. Follow it with one of the recommended cleaners to remove the last traces of gunge.Bridget Ramsay Suffolk

Apropos Loft Lagging Advice (14 February), I've never understood the advice that one should have at least 12 inches (here, 270mm) of loft insulation. Our house has rafters six inches deep, with six inches of insulation, and sheets of wood laid across the top for walking on. Am I supposed to lay another layer of insulation, then squash it by laying the sheets of wood on top? Or install a second set of rafters on top of the first?Jeremy Gibbons Marston, Oxford

• Send us your questions - all those niggling home- or shopping-related conundrums - and we'll do our best to solve them. And please share your own tips with readers. Write to Space, Guardian Weekend, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU, or email space@theguardian.com